THE SECOND LEG: PENRHYN TO AMERICAN SAMOA
by Tom Mahuta Robinson
Cars, birds, trees, shops, wharves, restaurants and so much more – what a pleasure it is to be on a big island and experiencing all the sights, sounds and smells that go with it. But before we delve into any luxuriation, I had better take you back to the start, back to Penrhyn.
Never before has a departure been so difficult; of course, departures are not always easy, but thisone was downright hard. The morning of the 14th of April started well before the sun came up; I was not up early to finish off any last-minute packing, although perhaps I should have been, instead I was getting dressed for church, as I did most Friday mornings. The service was just as they always are, with plenty of singing, but this time with a special mention of my departure later that morning. After the service, I went straight to the boat and continued to pack while the sun came up. I continued in this fashion until the clock struck eight – when the formalities began. Adorned with flowers and shells, I sat down at a large table covered with plates of fish, rice, sausages and bread; everyone in the village had made me breakfast. I sat there and ate in silence and trepidation as the village sang. Never before had the singing been so powerful and moving, it was an emotional morning for everybody. What followed was a heartwarming array of speeches, hymns, prayers and biblical recitations. It was then my turn to stand up and make a speech of my own. In doing so I thanked everyone for their kindness and showed my appreciation and love for Penrhyn and its people. I then made a firm commitment to one day return to Penrhyn, which was met with a round of applause. After the formalities had concluded I smiled for many, many photographs and was further adorned with shell necklaces – sincere gifts considering the time taken to collect, clean, drill and thread the shells. Among the gifts of the past 48 hour’s festivities had been many bags of food, a remarkably kind gesture considering the scarcity of imported foods on the island. I was truly touched by everyone’s kindness.
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jeffrey chabot says:
Hi Tom, you are an amazing man with an amazing story thanks for sharing it with all of us. Believe in God invite him into your heart and he will guide you, safe travels and calm seas God bless Jeff from Pepperell mass
Jean Marion says:
Ahoy Tom. I as many are I’m impressed with your journey and want to wish you a safe and fruit full trip, God bless you and your plans. Calm waters from Methuen mass.
Tom Cawrse says:
Amazing…keep up the good adventure, we’re all pulling for you and looking forward for your next update! If I wasn’t so damn old I’d set out after you. Best wishes from Port Townsend Wa.
Steve Kelleher says:
Tom;
Your story is an inspiration for others to live their best lives and have no regrets. Thank you for sharing your journey. Safe travels from New Hampshire, USA.
Mark Nunlist says:
Hi Steve and Tom,
Good to read that you’re following Tom as I am.
And Tom. I am beyond impressed, moved, and inspired by your endeavors, courage, knowledge, strength (body and will)! Congratulations and best wishes from another boat-builder (for Far smaller waters!).
Safe travels,
Mark
karenlsullivan says:
Tom, words fail me on such a unique journey as yours, but you have found the most moving way to tell your story. The hardest part is leaving, and I’m sad to say that it doesn’t get easier, but you learn to brace for it. I found leaving new but intense friendships affected me, too, when we crossed the Pacific on our 24-footer. The flip side of that loneliness is knowing that these friendships and your memories will be lifelong. And so will the learning about how to cope with the distance. Cheers and best wishes from Port Townsend.
George Blaisdell says:
So having “sought” setting out from Peru, and “found” in Penrhyn, I was looking for a difference in your interior experience of your second leg vis-a-vis “having found”… eg (perhaps) praying while pulling, etc etc…?? Feels now that you are mostly looking to finish the stunt, to which I would invite you to exercise cautious vigilance, to stay out of danger…
God bless you on your way, my brother…
geo
Keiron Lynch says:
You are beyond amazing, Tom, for the life journey you have undertaken. After following your story closely, I am convinced that a higher power (call it God or the Universe) will take care of you. Thank you so much for sharing your epic journey!
All the best from New Hampshire, USA.
Chris Cournoyer says:
Don’t miss the delicious vegetarian meals at the Hari Krishna restaurant in downtown Suva. The jackfruit is enough to make meatless no sacrifice whatever. A good “Bula Vanaka” will also signal your welcome in Fiji. Stay calm, carry on, and best of luck.
Joseph O'Brien says:
An adventure for the ages. Tom thank you for sharing all of it. Truly awe inspiring fortitude. Sending all the best thoughts and wishes your way. Keep pressing!
Best regards from Virginia, USA
Tom Pillifant says:
From Alaska, commending your fortitude and the persistence you’ve brought to this amazing adventure. Please continue safely and smartly. Looking forward to learning about the successful leg to Fiji.
Julian Kuffler says:
Hi Tom,
Thank you for sharing the ebb and flow of your wonderful adventure with all of us. Good luck ,enjoy the journey and I look forward to your next update.
Francis S Capsan says:
Unbelievable, doesn’t describe what Tom is doing. It’s more like the “Odyssey of Mahuta”. Keep on pulling Tom, we are all with you.
Todd Snyder says:
Adding my voice to the chorus of admirers and well wishers. Awesome job. Sending you fair winds and calm seas from Lyme CT, USA
Thomas Gagner says:
Tom, Your courage, navigational skills and physical endurance are truly admirable. Hope you get back to Penrhyn, you are certainly part of their family. Tom Gagner
lee anderson says:
This is epic…. What an adventure…..and so well told. If this ever is is a book, sign me up.
Paul Drinan says:
Thank you Tom, for sharing tales of your epic journey with us all. You’ve got this! Wishing you safe travels from Maine,USA.
Paul
Steve S - RestHarrow Boatworks says:
C. S. Lewis says for every achievement in life there’s always the transition between glorious aspiration and laborious doing. Tom you are an amazing young man and an inspiration to us all thanks for sharing your journey with such literary skills.
Diane Pool says:
I wonder if you found out the cause of your sores and blisters? Sun? Diet? Infected by bug bites?
Your narrative skills are terrific, thanks for taking us along with your seamanship abilities.
Peter Jackson says:
It’s an amazing journey Tom. Thanks for sharing your story and telling it so well. All the very best.
Terence Grundy says:
Hi Tom,
Greetings from Melbourne.
I am really enjoying following your journey across the Pacific. In 2012 I sailed from Panama to Tahiti via The Galapagos on a Beneteau First with two crew and that was at times challenging. However, your effort is really something to be admired. Keep up your spirits as you have many admirers. All the very best. Terry
ROBERT J BLACKBURN says:
Legend mate…
Todd Snyder says:
Adding my voice to the chorus of admirers and well wishers. Awesome job. Sending you fair winds and calm seas from Lyme CT, USA
Neil Ferguson says:
Keep up the good work Tom, really admiring you for what you are doing, best wishes from New Zealand